Abstract
Commonly, for chronic empyema post open-window thoracostomy, space reduction operations such as thoracoplasty and omental or muscle flap transposition has been performed. But because of the low pulmonary function for post tuberculosis, lung resection etc. or various kinds of complications, only a few patients have endured these operations. Between 2000 and 2004, we performed simple closure for 7such patients (6males and 1female) who had few bronchopleural fistulas and negative bacterial culture. The average the age was 71years (range : 65-75). On average, the operating time was 49minutes (range : 24-126) and the blood loss was 32ml (range : 0-200). Post operation there were no complications in particular, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 21days (range : 10-30). There was one patient who had recurrence of empyema. But he recovered after undergoing a space reduction operation. Simple closure for chronic empyema post open-window thoracostomy puts less of a burden on patients compared to conventional space reduction operation. The patients who have few bronchopleural fistulas and negative bacterial culture should be applied for simple closure, and considering the advantage of the reduced burden, safety and cosmetic benefits, we think that patients with no complications in particular could be applied for this operation too.
